Public attitudes and perceptions towards the ocean as an input for public policy

Amidst growing concerns about ocean health and the sustainability of coastal communities, understanding local perceptions and attitudes towards these issues is critical. This research addresses this gap by investigating the views of Chilean coastal communities, offering insights into their relationship with the ocean. We designed and distributed a nationwide online citizen consultation between January and May 2022, covering a range of topics from ocean health perceptions to the frequency of respondents' interaction with the ocean, from which 1221 responses were obtained from all 16 regions of Chile. The data was analyzed using factor analysis of mixed data (FAMD) and cluster analysis. Five distinct clusters were identified, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of community perspectives on ocean-related issues. Cluster 1, comprising mainly middle-aged males, associates the ocean with power, mystery, and economic benefits, emphasizing biodiversity as a crucial indicator of ocean health. In Cluster 2, predominantly retired individuals above 60, engaged in contemplative ocean interactions, prioritize ocean cleanliness and identify overexploitation as a key concern. Cluster 3, composed mostly of females aged 30–60, finds emotional connections like calmness and hope in recreational ocean activities. Young females in Cluster 4, primarily university students, perceive a healthy ocean as pristine and endless and a damaged ocean as an unclean environment. Cluster 5, consisting mostly of coastal residents below 20, predominantly high school students, engage in ocean activities through consumption and contemplation, associating a healthy ocean with cleanliness despite minimal perceived benefits. Our findings highlight the multifaceted nature of human-ocean relationships, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions informed by these diverse perspectives.